The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced that Bishop David Zubik was to undergo spinal surgery Monday to address continuing problems with collapsing discs.

Performed at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Uptown, the surgery was expected to last for several hours. His surgeon later reported that everything went as planned and that there were no complications.

The procedure requires an extended time of recovery, which will keep the bishop from public appearances in the short term. He still will be able to conduct the business of the diocese from his office at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

Zubik, 72, has had five back surgeries, with the most recent having taken place in February to repair a significant tear in his left shoulder and biceps. This procedure is not expected to complicate that recovery.